by Stephanie Andrews

Created on: July 17, 2008

I have always been told that change is all a part of growing up. Nothing can stay the same forever, and as much as one may enjoy the comfort and familiarity of an environment that doesn't change, it isn't necessarily practical. For me, the majority of changes started when I entered college, and from then on change continued to occur as I found a new home for myself, created new friendships and relationships, adjusted to a new job, and all the while searching for that familiar and comfortable feeling in a completely new setting.

As a child I welcomed change. I remember not being able to sleep the night before my first day of school or a family vacation, because so much excitement bubbled inside me I found it hard to get a good night's rest. I enjoyed the change of scene, whether it be a new home, new people, or a completely new state. I remember the feeling I would get when I traveled into New York City, and all the excitement and commotion of the city was invigorating. I remember dreaming often of living in New York City for the rest of my life. There was something so magical about that city, and whenever our train would leave the NYC station, I often remember looking at the city skyline in the distance with much sadness, and longed for the days that I could return. Oddly enough, it sometimes felt more like home than home did. But I realized that as I got older the magic suddenly died, and while I did enjoy my annual trip into the city, it never felt the same (I still can't pinpoint exactly when this change began, but I remember being utterly sad and disappointed). Our train would pull away from the station after a weekend of city life and I actually felt relieved that I was going back home. I missed that old familiar feeling of my house, my neighborhood, my comfortable porch and my cozy bed. Perhaps this may have been my first clue that the inner child in me was growing up.
The older I get the more I enjoy consistency, because with that comes stability. It's amazing for me to admit this because I use to be such an advocate for change. I welcomed change at any moment, mostly when I felt that my days all mirrored each other and I longed for something more. I desperately longed for change the four years I was in college. Having been very mature for my age I realized that I wanted terribly to graduate college and finally start my life. I wanted to live in different places, meet different people, and just experience all that life had to offer. I don't ever remember

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